Plants clustered in loose to compact tufts, black or brown with age. Stems ca. 4-10 cm, central strand absent; rhizoids forming a 'hold-fast,' occasionally extending from stem and abaxial surface of leaves. Leaves erect to patent when dry, when present pseudocosta marginal [submarginal]; apex often cucullate. Outer perichaetial leaves one-third shorter than inner leaves. Vaginula forming a sheath around proximal third or fourth of seta. Seta1/3-1/2 capsule length. Capsule glossy black with age, columella when dry appearing longitudinally ribbed, when wet expanding, becoming stoutly cylindrical or ovoid. Spores 30-55 µm. Scouleria patagonica) is the only taxon found in South America.
